1
|
Krieg S, Fernandes SI, Kolliopoulos C, Liu M, Fendt SM. Metabolic Signaling in Cancer Metastasis. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:934-952. [PMID: 38592405 PMCID: PMC7616057 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-24-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Metastases, which are the leading cause of death in patients with cancer, have metabolic vulnerabilities. Alterations in metabolism fuel the energy and biosynthetic needs of metastases but are also needed to activate cell state switches in cells leading to invasion, migration, colonization, and outgrowth in distant organs. Specifically, metabolites can activate protein kinases as well as receptors and they are crucial substrates for posttranslational modifications on histone and nonhistone proteins. Moreover, metabolic enzymes can have moonlighting functions by acting catalytically, mainly as protein kinases, or noncatalytically through protein-protein interactions. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on metabolic signaling in cancer metastasis. SIGNIFICANCE Effective drugs for the prevention and treatment of metastases will have an immediate impact on patient survival. To overcome the current lack of such drugs, a better understanding of the molecular processes that are an Achilles heel in metastasizing cancer cells is needed. One emerging opportunity is the metabolic changes cancer cells need to undergo to successfully metastasize and grow in distant organs. Mechanistically, these metabolic changes not only fulfill energy and biomass demands, which are often in common between cancer and normal but fast proliferating cells, but also metabolic signaling which enables the cell state changes that are particularly important for the metastasizing cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Krieg
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Isabel Fernandes
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Constantinos Kolliopoulos
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ming Liu
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah-Maria Fendt
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yang B, Dai M. High-dimensional deconstruction of ovarian cancer at single-cell precision reveals HEBP2 that reshape the TIME and drive carboplatin resistance. Transl Oncol 2024; 44:101917. [PMID: 38554571 PMCID: PMC10998197 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-cell sequencing was employed to analyze the tumor immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer (OC) patients, exploring the evolutionary roles of various macrophage subgroups in OC progression and their correlation with fatty acid metabolism-related genes in contributing to drug resistance. METHODS This study aimed to decipher the mechanisms underlying OC chemoresistance (OC-CR) and carboplatin resistance by integrating and analyzing multiple single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from OC patients. The tumor immune microenvironment in OC-CR patients exhibited notable alterations in cellular interactions and the proportions of different immune cell populations, in contrast to the cohort sensitive to OC chemotherapy. RESULTS The study demonstrates that the fatty acid-associated gene HEBP2 not only accelerates OC progression but also modifies the immune landscape of OC, driving the polarization from M0_TAM to M2_TAM. This shift results in a diminished efficacy of chemotherapy in OC. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo experiments underscored HEBP2's role in boosting the proliferation of OC-resistant cell lines and suppressing apoptosis, thereby facilitating carboplatin resistance. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the immune microenvironments of OC-CR significantly differ from those sensitive to chemotherapy, underscoring HEBP2's role in fostering OC resistance. This establishes HEBP2 as a promising prognostic marker and a novel target for therapeutic strategies against OC resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- BiKang Yang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Miao Dai
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Igal RA. Death and the desaturase: implication of Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 in the mechanisms of cell stress, apoptosis, and ferroptosis. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00125-1. [PMID: 38823621 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Growth and proliferation of normal and cancerous cells necessitate a finely-tuned regulation of lipid metabolic pathways to ensure the timely supply of structural, energetic, and signaling lipid molecules. The synthesis and remodeling of lipids containing fatty acids with an appropriate carbon length and insaturation level are required for supporting each phase of the mechanisms of cell replication and survival. Mammalian Stearoyl-CoA desaturases (SCD), particularly SCD1, play a crucial role in modulating the fatty acid composition of cellular lipids, converting saturated fatty acids (SFA) into monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Extensive research has elucidated in great detail the participation of SCD1 in the molecular mechanisms that govern cell replication in normal and cancer cells. More recently, investigations have shed new light on the functional and regulatory role of the Δ9-desaturase in the processes of cell stress and cell death. This review will examine the latest findings on the involvement of SCD1 in the molecular pathways of cell survival, particularly on the mechanisms of ER stress and autophagy, as well in apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Ariel Igal
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ewald CY, Pulous FE, Lok SWY, Pun FW, Aliper A, Ren F, Zhavoronkov A. TNIK's emerging role in cancer, metabolism, and age-related diseases. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024:S0165-6147(24)00090-7. [PMID: 38777670 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK) has emerged as a key regulator of pathological metabolic signaling in several diseases and is a promising drug target. Originally studied for its role in cell migration and proliferation, TNIK possesses several newly identified functions that drive the pathogenesis of multiple diseases. Specifically, we evaluate TNIK's newfound roles in cancer, metabolic disorders, and neuronal function. We emphasize the implications of TNIK signaling in metabolic signaling and evaluate the translational potential of these discoveries. We also highlight how TNIK's role in many biological processes converges upon several hallmarks of aging. We conclude by discussing the therapeutic landscape of TNIK-targeting drugs and the recent success of clinical trials targeting TNIK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collin Y Ewald
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Fadi E Pulous
- Insilico Medicine US Inc., 345 Park Avenue South, 2nd Floor Suite 006, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Sarah Wing Yan Lok
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Unit 310, 3/F, Building 8W, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Frank W Pun
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Unit 310, 3/F, Building 8W, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Alex Aliper
- Insilico Medicine AI Limited, Level 6, Unit 08, Block A, IRENA HQ Building, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Feng Ren
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd., Suite 902, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Insilico Medicine US Inc., 345 Park Avenue South, 2nd Floor Suite 006, New York, NY 10010, USA; Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Unit 310, 3/F, Building 8W, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, China; Insilico Medicine AI Limited, Level 6, Unit 08, Block A, IRENA HQ Building, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd., Suite 902, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201203, China; Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Terry AR, Hay N. Emerging targets in lipid metabolism for cancer therapy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024:S0165-6147(24)00084-1. [PMID: 38762377 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells perturb lipid metabolic pathways for a variety of pro-tumorigenic functions, and deregulated cellular metabolism is a hallmark of cancer cells. Although alterations in lipid metabolism in cancer cells have been appreciated for over 20 years, there are no FDA-approved cancer treatments that target lipid-related pathways. Recent advances pertaining to cancer cell fatty acid synthesis (FAS), desaturation, and uptake, microenvironmental and dietary lipids, and lipid metabolism of tumor-infiltrating immune cells have illuminated promising clinical applications for targeting lipid metabolism. This review highlights emerging pathways and targets for tumor lipid metabolism that may soon impact clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Terry
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Nissim Hay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; Research and Development Section, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li C, Weng J, Yang L, Gong H, Liu Z. Development of an anoikis-related gene signature and prognostic model for predicting the tumor microenvironment and response to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1378305. [PMID: 38779664 PMCID: PMC11109372 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1378305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The effect of anoikis-related genes (ARGs) on clinicopathological characteristics and tumor microenvironment remains unclear. We comprehensively analyzed anoikis-associated gene signatures of 1057 colorectal cancer (CRC) samples based on 18 ARGs. Anoikis-related molecular subtypes and gene features were identified through consensus clustering analysis. The biological functions and immune cell infiltration were assessed using the GSVA and ssGSEA algorithms. Prognostic risk score was constructed using multivariate Cox regression analysis. The immunological features of high-risk and low-risk groups were compared. Finally, DAPK2-overexpressing plasmid was transfected to measure its effect on tumor proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. We identified 18 prognostic ARGs. Three different subtypes of anoikis were identified and demonstrated to be linked to distinct biological processes and prognosis. Then, a risk score model was constructed and identified as an independent prognostic factor. Compared to the high-risk group, patients in the low-risk group exhibited longer survival, higher enrichment of checkpoint function, increased expression of CTLA4 and PD-L1, higher IPS scores, and a higher proportion of MSI-H. The results of RT-PCR indicated that the expression of DAPK2 mRNA was significantly downregulated in CRC tissues compared to normal tissues. Increased DAPK2 expression significantly suppressed cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and inhibited migration and invasion. The nude mice xenograft tumor model confirmed that high expression of DAPK2 inhibited tumor growth. Collectively, we discovered an innovative anoikis-related gene signature associated with prognosis and TME. Besides, our study indicated that DAPK2 can serve as a promising therapeutic target for inhibiting the growth and metastasis of CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanchang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyong Weng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hangjun Gong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaolong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu J, Kang R, Tang D. Adverse effects of ferroptotic therapy: mechanisms and management. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:417-429. [PMID: 38246792 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis, a nonapoptotic form of cell death characterized by iron accumulation and uncontrolled lipid peroxidation, holds promise as a therapeutic approach in cancer treatment, alongside established modalities, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, recent research has raised concerns about its side effects, including damage to immune cells, hematopoietic stem cells, liver, and kidneys, the development of cachexia, and the risk of secondary tumor formation. In this review, we provide an overview of these emerging findings, with a specific emphasis on elucidating the underlying mechanisms, and underscore the critical significance of effectively managing side effects associated with targeted ferroptosis-based therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Liu
- DAMP Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xiao YL, Gong Y, Qi YJ, Shao ZM, Jiang YZ. Effects of dietary intervention on human diseases: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:59. [PMID: 38462638 PMCID: PMC10925609 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01771-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Diet, serving as a vital source of nutrients, exerts a profound influence on human health and disease progression. Recently, dietary interventions have emerged as promising adjunctive treatment strategies not only for cancer but also for neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. These interventions have demonstrated substantial potential in modulating metabolism, disease trajectory, and therapeutic responses. Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of malignant progression, and a deeper understanding of this phenomenon in tumors and its effects on immune regulation is a significant challenge that impedes cancer eradication. Dietary intake, as a key environmental factor, can influence tumor metabolism. Emerging evidence indicates that dietary interventions might affect the nutrient availability in tumors, thereby increasing the efficacy of cancer treatments. However, the intricate interplay between dietary interventions and the pathogenesis of cancer and other diseases is complex. Despite encouraging results, the mechanisms underlying diet-based therapeutic strategies remain largely unexplored, often resulting in underutilization in disease management. In this review, we aim to illuminate the potential effects of various dietary interventions, including calorie restriction, fasting-mimicking diet, ketogenic diet, protein restriction diet, high-salt diet, high-fat diet, and high-fiber diet, on cancer and the aforementioned diseases. We explore the multifaceted impacts of these dietary interventions, encompassing their immunomodulatory effects, other biological impacts, and underlying molecular mechanisms. This review offers valuable insights into the potential application of these dietary interventions as adjunctive therapies in disease management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue Gong
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying-Jia Qi
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Demicco M, Liu XZ, Leithner K, Fendt SM. Metabolic heterogeneity in cancer. Nat Metab 2024; 6:18-38. [PMID: 38267631 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00963-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells rewire their metabolism to survive during cancer progression. In this context, tumour metabolic heterogeneity arises and develops in response to diverse environmental factors. This metabolic heterogeneity contributes to cancer aggressiveness and impacts therapeutic opportunities. In recent years, technical advances allowed direct characterisation of metabolic heterogeneity in tumours. In addition to the metabolic heterogeneity observed in primary tumours, metabolic heterogeneity temporally evolves along with tumour progression. In this Review, we summarize the mechanisms of environment-induced metabolic heterogeneity. In addition, we discuss how cancer metabolism and the key metabolites and enzymes temporally and functionally evolve during the metastatic cascade and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Demicco
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Xiao-Zheng Liu
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katharina Leithner
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sarah-Maria Fendt
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|